Battle brewing in receiving corps

BOURBONNAIS – Bears receiver Dane Sanzenbacher is in a familiar position this season as he heads into the second week of training camp.

Sanzenbacher, 23, is squarely on the roster bubble.

The former Ohio State Buckeye was one of the Bears’ best summertime stories in 2011 when he made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent. He went on to catch 27 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games, including one start.

However, Sanzenbacher’s job could be in jeopardy because of the addition of several new players to the Bears’ receiver corps. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Eric Weems all seem safe to make the final cut, as are Earl Bennett and Devin Hester.

If the Bears keep six receivers as they did last season, the final opening could come down to Sanzenbacher, free-agent addition Devin Thomas or a surprise rookie.

“Just that: His first day,” Smith said. “It’s going to take a while, just like as we talk for our football team that first day.

“As much as anything, we wanted to get Brian into the mix to just let him see how it feels to be a Chicago Bear practicing. So we made that step. He set the bar today, and we’ll hopefully make progress from here.”

Green light: Jay Cutler said having the ability to call an audible would help in the season.

Last season in Mike Martz’s offense, Cutler was restricted from calling audibles.